Every diver knows just how important it is to keep track of time when diving. While the depths of the ocean are mesmerizing and captivating, they are also dangerous. Lose track of time, and you could find yourself miles from your starting point with diminishing oxygen levels and heavy gear.
Naturally, every diver needs a dive watch. This article will review the best dive watches under 1000 dollars.
Garmin Descent Mk1 Dive Watch
The Garmin Descent Mk1 Dive Watch is a premium diving watch perfect for experienced divers. This watch features a GPS and built-in compass, gyroscope, and barometric sensors. It also tracks your dive time, entry and exit locations, and you can connect this watch to your scuba equipment. It works with single-gas and multi-gas systems. The Garmin Descent Mk1 has 40 hours of battery life in dive mode. You can also use it for running, cycling, and everyday activities. If you are looking for a top-of-the-line dive watch, this is the watch for you.
Pros:
- GPS
- Tracks up to 200 dives
- Connects to single-gas and multi-gas scuba systems
- 40 hours of battery life in dive mode
- Connects to your smartphone
Cons:
- User interface is tricky to use
Citizen Promaster Dive Watch
The Citizen Promaster Dive Watch uses eco-drive technology to power itself with natural and artificial light. This means this watch can run for months at a time, as it stores energy in a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. In addition, this watch uses a stainless steel clock with Japanese quartz fittings and a strap made with polyurethane. The Citizen Promaster Dive Watch is suitable for depths up to 660 feet (200m) and is ISO-certified.
Pros:
- Self-charging (no battery required)
- Made with stainless steel and Japanese quartz
- Suitable for depths up to 660 feet
- ISO-certified
Cons:
- Bezel moves both ways (and may move backward at depths below 660 feet)
- Not suitable for people allergic to polyurethane
Cressi Leonardo Diving Watch
The Cressi Leonardo Diving Watch is the ideal choice for beginner and intermediate scuba divers who want an advanced watch at an affordable price point. This watch shows your dive time, depth, and gas levels. It allows you to set your air, nitrox, and gauge modes easily. The Cressi Leonardo diving watch also has an inbuilt alarm and a deep stop function to keep you safe underwater. It is made in Italy and works at depths up to 393 feet (120m)
Pros:
- Shows dive time, depth, time and date, and gas levels
- Allows you to set air, nitrox, and gauge levels
- Saves 70 hours of dives in the logbook
- Works up to 393 feet
- Loud alarms
Cons:
- Uses battery (replaced every 1-2 years)
- Difficult to use as an everyday watch
Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer
The Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer is an intuitive dive watch perfect for intermediate and advanced divers. This watch shows you the current time and date, your dive time, depth, and temperature. In addition, it allows you to adjust your air and nitrox levels in your scuba gear. The watch uses a two-button system that is intuitive and ergonomic. The display on this watch is larger than other models, which is great for divers with poor vision.
Pros:
- Allows you to adjust air and nitrox levels
- Shows you time, date, temperature, dive time, and depth
- Large display
- Two-button system
Cons:
- The alarm is very quiet
Casio Diver Inspired Watch
The Casio Diver Inspired Watch is a great budget buy for beginner and intermediate divers. This watch is made with stainless steel and has an ocean-blue dial with a resin band. The watch also has an anti-reverse bezel that will stop the clock from turning backward with water pressure. This watch includes a 3-hand analog clock with a date slot. The Casio Diver Inspired Watch can sustain pressure from depths of up to 660 feet (200m). The watch is manufactured in the USA. If you are looking for an affordable (but reliable) dive watch, this is the watch for you.
Pros:
- Anti-reverse bezel
- Resin band
- Made with stainless steel
- Suitable for up to 660 feet
Cons:
- Requires batteries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best dive watch under 1000?
The best dive watch under 1000 dollars is the Garmin Descent Mk1 Dive Watch. The Mk1 watch is full of features, including GPS, location tracking, a dive log, and buttons to adjust air, gauge, and nitrox levels. If the Mk1 is out of your price range, we recommend the Cressi Leonardo Diving Watch.
What is the best affordable dive watch?
The best affordable dive watch is the Casio Diver Inspired Watch. This watch is made with stainless steel and will tell you the time and the date. It’s also water-resistant to depths of 200m. The Casio Diver Inspired Watch costs less than $100 on Amazon.
Why do divers wear their watches backward?
Many divers choose to wear their watches backward to stop their watch from being scratched. Although the glass on dive watches can withstand underwater pressure, no watch is perfect or bulletproof. If you choose to wear your watch backward, never take it off underwater to check the time (as you might lose it).
Why are dive watches so expensive?
Dive watches are generally more expensive than regular watches because they need to withstand the pressure beneath the ocean. Many dive watches also have inbuilt features for scuba diving, including buttons that let you switch air, nitrox, and gauge modes. Like regular watches, you can find dive watches at any price point from $50 – $10,000.
Takeaway
There are many great diving watches on the market today, but we do have two top choices. The best dive watches under 1000 dollars include the Garmin Descent Mk1 and the Cressi Leonardo diving watch.
